Sarasota, Florida is internationally renowned as home to some of the world’s finest beaches and offers a quality of life that attracts people from all over the world. There are several islands within the Sarasota borders, known as keys; these include Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, and St. Armand’s Key. Siesta Key and Lido Key are popular vacation destinations with their alluring white sandy beaches, unique shops and restaurants, and evening sunsets that are an event to be celebrated. There are endless opportunities to enjoy the Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico whether it’s boating, fishing, swimming, or just enjoying an early morning or evening stroll along our pristine beaches. In January 2015, Trip Advisor named Siesta Key Beach as the number one beach in the USA. Siesta Key has consistently topped the charts for it’s exceptional beaches and relaxed quality of life.
If you desire a more cultural experience or enjoy the hustle of city life, look no further than downtown Sarasota for a plethora of options. Sarasota is well known for its arts and philanthropic community. It is home to the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Ballet, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the Florida Studio Theatre, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, and the Southwest Florida Symphony. Living in downtown in Sarasota has become a popular choice with a wonderful lineup of new high rise condominiums and townhouses to choose from. The Ritz Carlton Residences, The VUE by Westin, Sansara, One88, Bellasara and Eschelon on Palm are just a handful of the tasteful options that are available. The majority of these upscale residences include richly appointed amenities such as rooftop pools and terraces, work-out facilities, day spas, restaurants, valet parking and more. Many of these complexes also offer shuttle services to the beaches and nearby shopping.
If eclectic residential districts are more appealing to your taste, Sarasota has an abundance of enchanting neighborhoods. Many of them offer old Florida bungalows, charming coastal cottages, luxury homes, or expansive custom built estates. These communities include, but are not limited to, Harbor Acres, Cherokee Park, Southside Village, Siesta Key Village, Bird Key, Longboat Key, McClellan Park, Gulf Gate, Granada Park, Coral Cove, Lido Key, the Museum District, Laurel Park, and the downtown area. With so many options from which to choose, there is truly a home for everyone in Sarasota.
Since our Sarasota weather is ideal for outdoor activities all year long, one can choose to be as active as preferred. Our community is home to a large population of athletes of all ages. Internationally recognized IMG Academy boasts some of the best training facilities for tennis, golf, soccer, football, basketball, and baseball in the world. Major League Baseball teams consistently choose to have their Spring Training sites in Sarasota or in nearby Bradenton. Sarasota offers opportunities for runners with a popular circuit of races and triathlons throughout the year. Rowing is continuing to grow in popularity now that Sarasota has built a world class venue that will host a variety of national and international competitions. There are bike trails, nature trails, and walking trails; county parks that offer bird watching and kayak launches. There are professional fishing tournaments, boat races, sand sculpture contests, beach volleyball leagues, shuffleboard contests, sailing regattas. There is always something to do if you are seeking an active lifestyle.
In addition to the outdoor fun, other popular attractions include The Mote Marine Laboratory, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, The Mable & John Ringling Museum of Art, and the venetian inspired Ca’d’Zan.
Sarasota County Public Schools have achieved some of Florida’s highest ratings. Niche.com, formerly College Prowler, ranked 11 of Sarasota County’s public schools to be among the best in the State. Pine View (a school for academically gifted students) was the number 2 pick for best public high schools. In the area, there are a myriad of private school options, including the Out of Door Academy, a Cum Laude Society college preparatory school, the Sarasota Military Academy, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, and St. Stephen’s Academy.
At the collegiate level, Sarasota is also home to the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Florida State University College of Medicine, New College of Florida, State College of Florida, and various satellite campuses of The University of South Florida and Eckerd College.